Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "witness" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both the act of bearing testimony and the role of individuals or entities that testify to truth, events, or divine revelation. The term is used in various contexts, including legal, spiritual, and evangelistic settings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for witness is "עֵד" (ed). Witnesses were crucial in legal proceedings, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15: "A lone witness is not sufficient to convict a man of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This principle underscores the importance of corroborated testimony in establishing truth and justice. The role of witness extends beyond legal matters to include the testimony of God's covenant and His mighty acts. In Isaiah 43:10, God declares to Israel, "You are My witnesses," emphasizing their role in testifying to His sovereignty and faithfulness. Similarly, the heavens and the earth are called to witness God's covenant with His people (Deuteronomy 30:19). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word for witness is "μάρτυς" (martys), from which the term "martyr" is derived. This reflects the early Christians' understanding of witnessing as a testimony that could lead to suffering or death. Jesus Christ Himself is described as the faithful and true witness (Revelation 1:5), exemplifying the ultimate testimony to God's truth and love. The Great Commission in Acts 1:8 highlights the role of believers as witnesses: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This charge underscores the evangelistic aspect of witnessing, where believers are called to testify to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Spiritual Witness The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in witnessing, as seen in Romans 8:16: "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness assures believers of their identity in Christ and their relationship with God. Additionally, the Spirit empowers believers to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. Community and Witness The early church exemplified communal witness through their unity and love, as described in Acts 2:42-47. Their shared life and testimony attracted others to the faith, demonstrating the power of collective witness in advancing the Kingdom of God. Conclusion The biblical concept of witness encompasses legal, spiritual, and evangelistic dimensions, with a consistent emphasis on truth, justice, and the proclamation of God's works and character. Believers are called to be witnesses in their words, actions, and lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify to the transformative power of the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 5:1And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 18:17 Library Concerning the Scriptures. General Corruption. The Internal Witness of the Holy Spirit Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace ... On the Authority and Certainty of the Sacred Scriptures Snares of Satan. Snares of Satan The Second Epistle General of Peter Inward Confirmation of the Veracity of the Scriptures The Gospels in General Resources Are the teachings of Witness Lee and the Local Church biblical? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Jehovah's Witness. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org How can I become more motivated for soul winning? | GotQuestions.org Witness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Witness by Laying Hands on the Accused Witness of Instruction in Righteousness Witness of the Holy Spirit is Truth Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne Against all Unbelievers Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ in Heaven Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Coming to Redeem and Sanctify Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Foretold by Himself Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Messiah Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Perfecting Saints Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: On Earth Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of Adoption Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of Christ in Them Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of God in Them Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: On Believing Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: To Testify to Them of Christ Witness of the Holy Spirit: The Faithful Preaching of the Apostles Accompanied By Witness of the Holy Spirit: The First Preaching of the Gospel Confirmed By Witness of the Holy Spirit: To be Implicitly Received Witness: General Scriptures Concerning Witness: Required to Throw the First Stone in Executing the Sentence Witness: To the Transfer of Land Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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